Clinical Interview Questions

1 Has there been any history of physical or mental illness in your family? If so, what was the diagnosis of these events? Client: Yes, my father has high blood pressure and takes medicine to control it and has problems dealing with stress. Learned: Screen client's vitals for high blood pressure and administer medication if necessary. Instruct client in breathing techniques and managing stress.

2 Were there any significant mental or physical traumatic events in your life including childhood? Client: I was placed in foster care when I was 11 years old because my parents abused drugs and alcohol. Learned: Alcohol and drug abuse can affect a child into adulthood.

3 Is there a specific time frame that these problems began? Client: The bad feelings that I have toward my parents started when I was placed in foster care. Learned: The patient has anger toward both mother and father for their abusive past.

4 How long have these problems persisted? Is there anything that makes them better or worse? Client: I have been having these anger issues toward my parents since the day I was placed in foster care. Learned: The patient needs counseling to help him/her move on with his/her life and away from the anger. The patient also needs to work toward forgiveness before he/she can move forward.

5 What was the date of your last physical checkup and what were the results? Do you take any medications and have you ever been hospitalized? Client: The date of my last physical was March 1st 2013. I am currently on Prozac for depression. I have never been hospitalized. Learned: The patient is healthy although he/she suffers from depression.

6 Do you keep things to yourself or do you talk with others about your feelings? Client: I do have one person in my family who I feel comfortable talking to but not to the extent that I am able to get everything off of my chest. Learned: The patient does have someone in his/her life that he/she trusts but does not offer his/her whole feelings to the family member.

7 Do you have children? What are their ages? Had there been any significant mental or physical traumas they have experienced? Client: I have five children ages 12,8,7,5 and 2. I do have three out of the five in counseling because they are my step children and they have had some mental and physical abuse from their biological mother. Learned: The patient is getting help for him/herself and the children.

8 What is your home and social life like? Do you have many friends? Client: My social life is limited to social media. I do not socialize with many people outside of my family. I do have a couple of friends but we are not really close and have never met. Learned: The patient is not a very social person.

9 What is your work environment like? Do you have many friends from work? Client: As of now I am not currently employed. I am a full time college student (online) and mother. Learned: Patient does not work